So, what you say about camping/backpacking/hiking resources an usefulness for prepping ??
The term 'prepper' is an interesting concept.
A survivalist or "prepper" is an individual or group that prepares or makes preparations in advance of, or prior to, any change in normal circumstances or lifestyle without significant reliance on other persons (i.e., being self-sufficient), or without substantial assistance from outside resources (e.g. government) in order to minimize the effects of that change on their current lifestyle.[1]
Preppers call themselves "modern-day survivalists" or "neo-survivalists"[2] try to distance themselves from the "crazy gun nut" stereotype "survivalist". Like survivalists, many do not identify themselves as doomers or follow the 2012 phenomenon.[3]
Survivalists have many different mindsets and cover a broad spectrum of survival and preparedness interests. Some prepare for economic disaster or to escape genetically modified foods through organic farming or urban gardening. Some may prepare for the possibility of a complete breakdown of society while others store up extra food and water for a more localized disaster. In addition to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, as well as other crises, preppers also prepare for personal disasters and economic hardships, such as unemployment or the loss of a loved one.[4]
I think the whole phenomenon of the prepper (Anxious now middle aged Yuppies from the late 80s??) is caused by deep rooted anxiety of how personal or societal future prospects are perceived and is dependent on whether a person is an optimist or a pragmatic pessimist. I think preppers fall into the latter of pragmatic pessimist.
Backpackers and hikers, I think have really have quite a different outlook on life. They really just enjoy the outdoors and peace and quiet and the aesthetic of natural world. There is some cross over with the 'bush crafters' who take this mindset to the next level as they attempt to minimise and redact the technology and commercialism requirements of the backpacker and hiker. There are also different subsets of backpacker and hikers such as the ultralighters (who are more interested in moving light and fast and far at the expense of camp comfort) etc.
Then we have the survivalist type of mindset.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SurvivalismI think it would be somewhat unfair to describe the survivalist as an everyday disappointed prepper who hasn't yet found a need for his Main Battle Rifle, as society had failed to brake down on that particular day. A 'prepper with a sense of humor bypass' might be more appropriate.
I don't really see anything wrong with those who have an interest in fishing, DIY, backpacking and hiking, bushcraft, gardening, cooking and baking, Scuba, mountaineering, electronics, computing and sustainable energy, shooting, bicycling, bird watching etc. It beats siting in front of the TV watching mindless soap and celebrity and turning into a couch potato and improves on the Will To Live (WTL).
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